The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1887-07-13
Chipping In for the Ch1rch.


When Bishop Worthlngton, CT Omaha,
WIS young man he devoted his attention
to missionary work on the Western 'front.'
Ter. As can be imagined, the experiences
he encountered there were exceedingly
novetsnd made deep impression on the
mind of the highly cultivated young man,
fresh rom the educational institutions OF
the East. The bishop, however, had the
happy Isculty-sO essential to men of his
calliDg-of adaptiSg himself to his eur
roundlpgs. He is q capital racontour, and
nothing delights him more than to relste
how The first church in Butte, Mont, was
built.
''At that time' said he. the other day,
II was a theological hedgliDg, but had
seen enough of the West, to know that
many a kind heart vas concealed by q
rough exterior, and could excuse a great
many of the oaths uttered, as knew that
they were used unconsciously and were
Characteristic of no profanity. Butte was
then typical frontier town, its principal
bus mess being gam bling and whisky sell
ing. / talked TO the men in plsin, CON-
mon sense manner, letting theological doc
uine severely alone. At first didn't try to
force religion down their threats, bat con-
tented myself with subjects OF general in
ttrest TO the town-told them stories to
point moral, and, In fact, gradually won
their cODfidt nee. My pulpit was pine
box End the blue arch of heavenmy roof.
One day the biggest gambler n town who
was dubbed "Short-Card Jake" called me
to one side for private conversation.
"'Pa1soD,' said he, i kind OF cotton TO
yer. Yer a rustler en' you've been a
talkin' sense. Come round to ny ranch
the International-to-night an I'll show
yer wha2 yer can do some good
II assented to the proposition snd'at the
appointed hour was at the place. ThsTe
were dozen different gambling games in
full blast and money was changing hands
with great rapidity. My friend Jake was
dealing faro, but as soon as he saw me he
left his seat and came over to wheTs was
standing.
"'Psrson.' said he, I'm gwineter build
vera ohursn. It's cussed shame for yer
10 be a preachin' out in the open air while
us galoots hez got the chips 70 house ye.
Jake then mounted an appended barrel,
and, firing his revolver through the roof.
said: "Boys, I'm gwineter ter make alittle
speech. Faint much shakes on thetslk,
bat I'm gwineter do the best know how.
/ don't take no stock in religion, but be-
lieves in giving every man fair show for
bis dust Vow, here's the parson, weak,
puDy thing, who don't know brace-boz
from a roulet wheel, but he's SOAR. He
amt been moseyin' round tryin'
to interfere with as an / propose to
build him a church. What's more, Z
propose to have you help do it. You all
knows me-. kin play cards an I kin
shoot an il any galoot don't believe it I'll
show him right quick. Now, boys, Ipro-
pose that each game has rake-off for the
parsons church. Every man hoIdin' two
pair or better'll put chip in the kitty. 1t
won't hurt ye, bows, an yer may be glad
of it by-an'-by. Now parson,' turning to
me, you go an take snooze. Needn't be
afraid o. gettIn' gouged, cause propose
to sit in the lookout chair myself an see
that every man comes to the 'front.'
"Tbe next morning bright and early
Jake knocked at my door. We'll, parson,'
he said, the game has Just shut down, and
here's the proceeds of the rake-off' With
that he took lot OF gold and greenbaoks
from his pockets and hsnded them to me.
The amount was $3.50, and with that
built the first church iu Butte City,"